News Release

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Fiery Crash Kills One and Seriously Injures Two Others NR10319kr

Los Angeles: An early morning rear end collision caused a 3 vehicle chain reaction that resulted in one vehicle catching fire and another overturning, killing one driver and seriously injuring two others.

On Monday, June 21, 2010, at around 7:30 a.m., a 32-year-old resident of Northridge was driving his 2008 Mercedes CLK550 eastbound on Devonshire Boulevard approaching Reseda Boulevard when he collided into the rear of a 2004 Infiniti I35, waiting for the red-tri light in the left turn lane of Devonshire Boulevard at Reseda Boulevard.

The collision pushed the Infiniti across the intersection where it burst into flames. The Mercedes continued through the intersection and clipped a 2008 Ford Focus travelling westbound. The Mercedes continued in a northeast direction and flipped on its roof, coming to rest next to a gas pump at the gas station on the northeast corner of the intersection.

Lois Graver, 61-years-old of Chatsworth was behind the wheel of the Infiniti and was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Ford was a 52-year-old woman. She along with the driver of the Mercedes was transported to a local hospital with moderate injuries.

Additionally, a pedestrian in the crosswalk was hit by flying debris from the collision and suffered minor injuries. Another vehicle near the intersection was also struck by flying debris that caused minor damage to the vehicle.

Valley Traffic Division Detectives are investigating the cause of the collision. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Detective William Bustos at 818-644-8121. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) using a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.